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Summer is a time for fun in the sun. Nothing brings the fun to a screeching halt like a sewage backup. Here is what you need to know about sewage backups during the summertime. What Can Cause a Summer Sewage Backup?There are a couple reasons why a sewage backup might occur during the warmer months. Summer storms are a common culprit, for example. When it rains too much or too fast for the sewage system to handle, water can build up and get into the system. If the water continues to build up, it can fill it until sewage enters your home.

Another issue that can cause a backup is a system blockage. This can happen when the wrong things are tossed down the drain in your home.

What Are the Effects of a Backup?Of course, there is the mess that comes with a sewage backup. This factor alone is extremely unpleasant, but there are other more serious concerns to consider as well. Sewage is unsanitary and can pose health concerns for one. Additionally, having a large amount of water entering your home can lead to damage to your foundation or rotting of your interior walls. Not to mention the fire and other hazards caused if this water reaches any electrical components.

So How Can You Avoid a Summer Sewage Backup?Obviously, when it comes to weather, you can’t control when or how strong of a summer storm will hit. The good news is that you can take these steps, to help lessen your risk of a sewage backup.

1. First and foremost, never put anything down a drain that can clog or damage the pipes. This includes greasy or stringy foods, chicken bones, coffee grounds, etc. 2. Do your best to keep your yard clear of debris that may block drains and cause backups in the main city system during a strong storm. 3. Stay up to date on your home’s sanitary system and plumbing maintenance. This can help prevent backups and provide you with early detection of damage to your system.

Have a Safe and Fun Summer!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Burst pipes are typically a concern in the winter, due to freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, your pipes are not safe just because it is summer. Here are some reasons your pipes can burst during the warmer months and what you can do to stop it from happening!

Older PipesPipes will degrade and deteriorate over time, like most things. Metal pipes are especially susceptible to corrosion, while plastic pipes break down naturally over time. When the pipes in your home age, they slowly lose their ability to handle the pressures they are constantly subjected to. As your pipes deteriorate, they become more and more likely to burst. Your best defense against aging pipes is to replace them before they fail you.

Pipe Erosion and CorrosionWhen your pipes erode or corrode, they create weak spots in your piping. These weak spots are vulnerable and more likely to leak and burst because they can no longer withstand the water pressure. Stay ahead of erosion and corrosion by having your pipes inspected annually.

Also, keep in mind that hot water has the potential of causing the soil around your outdoor pipes to move, which can damage and even break the pipes. This is especially true when the weather is dryer. While this typically is a larger concern for water mains found in the street, the pipes leading up to your home is also vulnerable. If you are concerned about your outdoor pipes, you can have one of our expert plumbers come to your home and assess your risks.

Clogged PipesA burst pipe is just one of the concerns caused by a clogged pipe. If your water happens to have a high mineral content, you may have extra reasons to be concerned. Over time, mineral deposits will build up in your pipes. This build up reduces the area in your pipes, restricting water flow and increasing pressure. In cases when the pressure exceeds the pipe’s threshold, it can cause the pipe to burst. If you happen to live in an area where the water has a higher mineral count, also known as hard water, having a water softener installed by one of our expert plumbers is an effective method to protect your pipes. Water softeners are designed to remove most of the minerals in your water and help prevent your pipes from clogging.

Poorly Installed PipesUnfortunately, not every plumber has as high standards as we do and poorly installed pipes are at a greater risk of failure, leaks and bursting. Whether they are improperly soldered, poorly insulated or inadequately supported, if your pipes were not installed correctly, you could be in for some unpleasant surprises. If you have any concerns about how your pipes were installed, call us at (866) 844-3770, to have your plumbing system inspected by a true plumbing professional.

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DIY projects can be fun and a great way to increase your home’s value; however, some home improvement projects are better left to the professionals. Safety, cost and timeliness are just some of the concerns to consider when deciding whether or not to do a project yourself or call in a pro. Check out this list of home improvement projects that are not meant to receive the DIY treatment.

Projects That Are Not Made For DIY

1. Electrical Updates

Outdated electrical components and wiring pose many problems for homeowners in terms of safety and convenience. While upgrading an electrical panel, wiring, adding more outlets and other updates are great home improvement projects, they are also dangerous. Electricians spend a great deal of time learning how to handle electricity safely and properly. So, when it comes time to upgrade your home’s electrical work, it is best to call in the professionals here at Tiger!

2. Roofing

Repairing or replacing a home’s roofing is a monumental task that is better left for licensed professionals. DIY roofing projects are extremely dangerous and often quite costly, calling the pros when a new roof is needed is the best way to go.

3. Plumbing Work

Even the smallest plumbing repairs can go extremely wrong, extremely quickly. Imagine the mess an improperly installed toilet or piping could make. Avoid the hassles of leaks, water damage and sanitation issues by calling one of our expert plumbers to handle all of your plumbing needs.

4. Adding an Additional Bathroom

Who wouldn’t love an extra bathroom in their home? The added convenience and home value makes the idea of adding another bathroom appealing. However, building an additional bathroom is not an easy DIY project to take on yourself. Hanging drywall, laying tile and installing fixtures often require a professional’s touch to get them right. Running new plumbing lines, hooking up the water supply, wiring the space and placing ductwork are tasks that can be dangerous and expensive when done incorrectly. When it comes to adding a new bathroom, it is best to leave it to the pros.

5. Structural Changes

Licensed professionals are vital when it comes to making structural changes to your home. Some projects will require special permits, depending on where you live, a licensed pro should know what is needed. Knocking down walls without knowing what damage it will cause is extremely dangerous. Other projects may weaken your home’s foundation. These types of projects will go more smoothly when left to the professionals.

When deciding whether or not to give a home improvement project the DIY treatment, consider these important questions.

Is this project worth the time and effort I will have to put into it?

Do I have the necessary tools and skills to do this project correctly?

What are the safety issues I should consider?

DIY projects can be fun; however, it is often best to leave the larger or more dangerous projects to the professionals.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Waking up early and hopping into a cold shower is not a fun way to start your day. So what is causing your hot water to run cold? One of these six reasons is likely to blame for your icy wake-up call.

Reasons Your Hot Water is Cold

1. Leaking hot water pipe

If a pipe is leaking in your basement, for example, it won’t reach your bathroom, especially if your shower is on the second floor. As long as the pipe isn’t hidden in a wall, you should be able to find the problem easily. However, a leak in a hidden pipe could be more of a challenge to detect. Call us right away at(866)844-3770 if you suspect that you might have a leaking pipe.

2. The pilot light is out

This is a potential issue if you have a gas-fired water heater. If you don’t know how to check your heater for the pilot light, look in your owner’s manual. Follow the instructions to relight it and if it doesn’t work, you likely have a bigger problem that needs special attention.

3. The burner isn’t working

Electric heaters have an element (sometimes two) that heats the water. If you do not have hot water and there is no leak, your element might not be working. These water heaters typically have a lifespan of about 7-10 years so if your heater is around this age, it’s possible that the element has failed and needs replacement.

4. The thermostat is set wrong or not working.

Water heaters have a thermostat set at a specific temperature. It might be set too low and not giving you hot enough water to have your shower. Follow the instructions to change the thermostat setting. If it still doesn’t work, you may need to change your thermostat.

5. The Breaker Tripped

Your water heater might have tripped the breaker. Check your panel and reset the breaker. If it happens again, that signals an electrical problem and you should give us a call right away. You may have to replace your heater, depending on the severity of the problem.

6. The tank is too small

If everything is working well but you constantly face a cold shower if you’re the last one in, your heater might be undersized. You can either race to the bathroom before everyone else, wait for the water to heat up again, or replace your heater with one that has a larger capacity.

Call in a professional

Don’t take chances with your hot water system. Give us a call to make sure everything is working well and to keep your hot water running.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Happy Hug a Plumber Day!

That is right; every April 25th is designated as Hug a Plumber Day. While this may seem like an odd holiday to celebrate, plumbers are extremely important members of society and we can prove it to you.

Here are 4 Reasons Why You Should Hug a Plumber Today!

1. They Keep Everything Flowing

In the busy world that we live in, it is easy to take for granted that our toilets will flush when we push the handle or that water will come out when we turn on our faucets. Unfortunately, things break, drains clog and basements flood, then what? Then you contact a plumber to come and put your life back in order.

2. Plumbers Make House Calls

Doctors do not even do this anymore. When you need one of our plumbers, they arrive at your doorstep in a fully-stocked truck, ready to fix the problem.

3. Plumbers Help Protect Your Health

Clean water and properly functioning sanitation facilities play a vital role in keeping you and your family healthy. When you invite a plumber into your home to repair a backed up sewage drain or diagnose why your faucet is spewing brown sludge, you are actually taking steps to keep your family healthy, as well as, comfortable.

4. They Train Hard

Licensed Plumbers do not fall out of trees. No, they spend a great deal of time training to perfect their craft. Plus this training is not a one-time experience, for example, our plumbing team undergoes ongoing training, to remain at the top of their field.

If you come across a plumber today, feel free to give them a big hug!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Spring is here! Goodbye, yucky winter weather and short days. Say hello to budding leaves, blooming flowers and rain, lots and lots of rain. While spring brings the excitement of warming weather, it also brings hazards like heavy April rain showers, basement flooding and damaged pipes.

Here are some ways your pipes can be affected by April rain showers:

1. Moving water can erode soil where a pipe is buried; exposing it.

Heavy rain can create rushing water that becomes a powerful force. This force can erode the soil around buried pipes, exposing them to damage. This is particularly concerning for the plumbing lines coming to your house from the city’s system.

Make sure you know where your pipes are buried and take extra care during and after flooding to avoid those areas. Once the rainwater has subsided, do a thorough check to make sure they are still buried. If the soil has been eroded, inspect the pipes for damage or have one of our plumbing experts come out and inspect them for you.

2. Pipes can burst.

Flooding brings debris as well as lots of water. This debris can easily gather in a storm/drain pipes causing them to back up. If the pressure is high enough from the water draining, this can lead to bursting. You can minimize the risk of bursting by keeping your yard clean so there is less debris to back up your drainage system.

3. Pipes can corrode faster.

Depending on the material of your piping, exposure to flood waters and any changes in water chemistry can cause it to rust faster. This most often happens over a number of seasons of flooding and heavy rains. Inspect any visible piping for signs of rust, particularly if you have old cast iron piping in your home. Copper also corrodes and gets pinhole leaks so you still have to inspect those pipes as well.

4. Dirt and debris in the water supply can erode pipes internally.

Erosion is another way pipes can be damaged. Floodwaters carry sediment that destroys the internal wall of drainpipes. While you cannot inspect the inside of pipes, you can call in one of our plumbing experts if you are concerned that you might be at risk for damaged piping from dirt and sediment erosion.
5. Prevention and cure.

Let us inspect your home’s plumbing to make sure it can withstand this April’s showers. When the floodwaters subside, we can help you find and repair any damage you may have incurred. Give us a call and we will keep your piping in shape for many more years of spring weather!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

What is the number one reason people call a plumber? If you guessed a clogged drain, congratulations, you are correct! Whether it is in your bathroom, kitchen or drain pipes, a clogged drain can ruin anyone’s day. Check out these items that you should never put down your drain!

Common Drain Cloggers that Require a Plumber

You will want to avoid flushing the following items or pouring them down your drains unless sewage backup is something you enjoy.

Disposable diapers

Feminine hygiene products

“Flushable” wipes

Grease

Hair

Coffee Grounds

Wax

Paper products (besides toilet paper)

Toothpaste

Food particles

Oil (cooking)

Dirt

Soap

You will also want to avoid pouring hazardous waste and chemicals down your drains. These include gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, pesticides, fertilizers, paint, etc.

Common Clogs By Room

Bathroom Clogs:

The most common clog found in bathrooms are caused by hair buildup. Try to remove clumps of hair from drains whenever you notice them. A buildup of soap and toothpaste can also cause clogs in bathrooms. The regular use of a safe enzyme-based drain cleaner product such as BioClean can help prevent slow drains and stoppages, call (866) 844-3770 to schedule an appointment, to learn more!

Kitchen Clogs:

Clogged drains occur in the kitchen more than any other room in your home. These clogs can be caused by a number of different factors, but most often happen because people pour the wrong items down the drain. Liquid fats are one of the main culprits and should never be poured down your drains. Additionally, avoid putting things like egg shells, coffee grounds, bones, pasta, celery or other stringy foods in your garbage disposal.

If you should encounter a serious clog, simply call(866) 844-3770and one of our expert plumbers will come to the rescue!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Valentine’s Day? Your plumbing system probably wasn’t the answer that you came up with for that question. However, if Valentine’s Day is the holiday for love, why not show a little to your plumbing? After all, if you take care of your plumbing system, it will take care of you!

How to Show Your Plumbing System Some Love This Valentine’s Day

Keep your pipes nice and toasty! Adding insulation to the pipes located in attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, etc. is a great way to protect yourself against frozen pipes.

Listen to your plumbing system’s needs! Listening is important in any relationship and your plumbing relationship is no different. Does your toilet sound like it is running longer than it should? Can you hear your faucet dripping at night? Is your water heater knocking or making a popping sound? These are cries for help from your plumbing system, it is best to not ignore them.

Flush away the build-up! Once a year you should have your water heater flushed to keep it functioning properly. Minerals and debris accumulate in your water heater over time, which can cause it to malfunction or stop working altogether.

Do not skip your annual plumbing maintenance and safety inspection! Think of annual maintenance like taking your plumbing system to couples counseling. It is a great way to a get ahead of any problems or issues that may arise. Call (866)844-3770 to schedule a plumbing inspection today!

If you want to show your plumbing system some love this
Valentine’s Day, call the experts at Tiger Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical Services.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

Superbowl 51 is going to be one of the biggest sporting events of 2017 and it is coming at us quickly. Right now you’re probably making plans for the big day. If you’re planning on hosting your own party, you probably have your hands full with planning this and that, but don’t forget about your pipes during your Superbowl preparations. There are a few steps you can take to ensure that everything runs smoothly, plumbing wise, during your big Superbowl party.

1. The first and most important step you can take to prevent a Superbowl plumbing disaster is to have a local plumber run a quick maintenance check on your plumbing system. Having your plumbing inspected before the big game is the best way to ensure that everything is working properly and give you some added peace of mind. After all, nothing ruins a Superbowl party like a clogged toilet at half-time.

2. Your toilet will be used heavily during your party and if it tends to give you trouble you might want to switch to thinner toilet paper. 1-ply works best and your guest won’t likely notice or mind the difference for one day.

3. In order to prevent your guests from flushing items like paper towels, “flushable” wipes (which are horrible for your toilet) and other paper products, you should remove all of these items from your bathroom. Additionally, you may want to remove any smaller objects that are around your toilet, to prevent any accidents.

4. Be wary of what goes in your garbage disposal. Let’s face it, what’s a football party without a ton of delicious and greasy foods? The problem is that your garbage disposal can only handle so much. It is extremely important not to overload it with too much food at one time and always avoid pouring grease down your drain. Wings are a popular Superbowl tradition, but you’ll want to avoid putting chicken bones in your disposal. Additionally, do not put any of the following food items down your garbage disposal at any time; potato peels, celery, artichokes, asparagus, lettuce, corn husks, carrots, onion skins, pasta, beans or rice.

5. Better safe than sorry. Keep a plunger next to your toilet just in case. And if you experience a really big clog or some other kind of plumbing disaster during your Superbowl party, don’t panic! We’ll still be open for emergency repairs. Call us at (866) 844-3770 or feel free to check us out online at TrustTiger.com and we’ll get your Superbowl party back on track!

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at:

As the temperatures drop below freezing it is important to protect your plumbing from the frigid winter weather that comes with living in the Midwest. Freezing pipes are one of the biggest concerns when it comes to your plumbing during the winter months. Frozen pipes can be an expensive headache and it is best to take steps to avoid them.

How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing:

Steps to Take Before the Cold Hits:

1. If you have pipes that run through attics, crawl spaces or other under heated locations, it is important to ensure that these pipes are well insulated. It is also important to have these pipes inspected regularly, to ensure that the insulation is holding up.

2. Make sure that you have drained all water from hoses, outdoor water supply lines, sprinklers and other outdoor plumbing fixtures.

3. Consider having some of your pipes rerouted. If you do have pipes that are constantly exposed to the frigid winter air, it may be a good idea to have one of our professional plumbers reroute them. By having these pipes rerouted to the interior of your home, you will gain peace of mind each winter that your pipes are safe from freezing. You will also save money in the long run by avoiding expensive water damage and repairs.

Steps To Take After The Cold Hits:

1. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach your pipes. A frozen pipe in your kitchen or bathroom can be a nightmare to deal with and expensive to fix. When the temperatures dip, open the cabinet doors underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks so the heat can flow freely.

2. Let your faucets drip. Pipes are less likely to freeze if the water is running. So, when dealing with extremely cold temperatures, turn on both the cold and hot water taps and allow the water to slowly drip out of the faucet.

3. When you are planning on leaving your home for more than a few days, it may be wise to temporarily shut off your water supply and drain all of the water from your pipes. If you are unsure how to complete either of these tasks, simply call (866)844-3770 and a member of our plumbing team will be happy to assist you.

Remember: That if your pipes do freeze or you have another plumbing emergency that we are here for you 24/7. Call us anytime and a real person will answer the phone to assist you with your emergency.

If you have any plumbing, heating, cooling or electrical needs, simply call us at: